UK marks Srebrenica Memorial Day at St. Paul’s cathedral: Survivors and leaders call for justice and remembrance

The ceremony opened with a powerful invocation: “We pray, O God, that sorrow may become hope, that revenge may become justice, that a mother’s tears may become a prayer, and that Srebrenica may never happen again to anyone, anywhere.” Attendees lit candles and paused in silent prayer, honouring the victims and expressing solidarity with the survivors.

One of the most powerful addresses was delivered by Munira Subašić, President of the Mothers of the Enclaves of Srebrenica and Žepa Association. She lost 22 family members in the genocide, including her husband and her youngest son, Nermin. Only two of his bones have been found.

“Our children were murdered just because they had different names, different surnames, because they were Muslims,” Subasic said. “They were killed under protection, under a flag, under the watch of the entire world, under the flag of the United Nations.”

Despite unimaginable loss, Subasic spoke about the strength and resilience of the mothers who raised their surviving children with love rather than hatred. “We educated our children without revenge in their hearts. They are now doctors, engineers, and professors. Wherever I go, I meet our children who are a source of pride — not just for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but for the world,” she said.

She urged the international community, especially the UK, to continue defending truth and justice. “If our children have names as genocide victims, then the perpetrators must have names as war criminals. Genocide denial and glorification of war criminals must stop,” she said. “Help us protect the court rulings. Help us find the remains of our children. Help us bring the criminals to justice.”

Elmina Kulasic, who survived the Trnopolje concentration camp as a child, recalled her traumatic memories of being forced to flee her burning home in Kozarac at the age of seven. “I saw my only home in flames. I saw my mother cry in silence while trying to protect us. My grandparents were left behind, believing they wouldn’t be harmed. But they were killed,” she said.

Now an activist, Kulasic credited her survival and strength to her mother and to the women of Srebrenica. “I carry no hate. I seek no revenge. My mothers taught me better,” she said, calling for every child to be allowed a peaceful childhood, something she was denied.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency members Zeljko Komsic and Denis Becirovic also addressed the audience. Komsic emphasised that Srebrenica remains an open wound for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a global reminder that peace requires truth and justice. “Peace is not merely the absence of war. Without justice, peace is fragile — merely a pause before the next conflict,” he said.

Becirovic thanked the UK and other international partners for their ongoing support, particularly in the successful adoption of the UN Resolution on Srebrenica. He warned, however, that Bosnia and Herzegovina is now facing renewed threats, referencing recent actions by the leadership of Republika Srpska. “Thirty years after the genocide, my country is again confronting dangerous challenges. If evil is not stopped at the beginning, it grows. Help us defeat that evil,” he appealed.

The ceremony also included prayers from various faith leaders, including a recitation of the Islamic prayer by Husein Kavazovic, the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a performance of the song “White Flower”, which symbolises remembrance of the genocide victims.

The event concluded with a united call to preserve truth, honour the memory of the victims, and ensure that the lessons of Srebrenica are never forgotten.